"We even had incidents where people have left their front doors open when they have gone to bed.

"The burglars have been in, taken the keys from the houses, stolen items and made their escape in the owner's car."

Insp Meadows continued: "A number of people were arrested who are travelling criminals who have been targeting this area because they think the residents are here are an easy target."

Operation Gateway also clamped down on unlicensed, unregistered and uninsured vehicles in the Maghull and Aintree area. A summer anti drink-driving campaign was also enforced as the third arm of the three-pronged attack against local crime.

Insp Meadows added: "We are targeting this offence. It is one which some people associate with Christmas time, but it's also a problem during the summer period."